the lockeroom

Honestly? Yom Kippur vs. Visiting Day

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:25:00 +0000

This appeared on nageelalv.org and facebook.com/nageelawest.

Visiting Day- the Holiest Day of the Year?

by Rabbi Dani Locker

Visiting day. Every camper, staff member and camp administrator understand both the contagious excitement and the palpable trepidation of the day. Is it a holy day? Well, in some circles, it is referred to as palm Sunday (in reference to the not- so- subtle requests for tips), but that's not quite what I had in mind.

What is Visiting Day?

To children, visiting day was simple. Mom and Dad would come to camp laden with care packages, cash (eagerly anticipated) and kisses (begrudgingly accepted). I remember vividly as a tweenage camper proudly giving my parents the grand tour of the campus. The baseball field where I scored the winning run (at least in my imagination), the dining room where I developed a stomach ache, the camp synagogue, the only air conditioned building on campus, and of course the canteen (where we needed to check my balance). The greatest source of pride, of course, came from my bunk, with the perfectly made bed, and the thinly folded tee shirts in my cubby so neatly arranged they could have been stacked indefinitely without toppling. It was this phenomenon, a camp of 350 boys, without a speck or spider on any floor, and without a wrinkle on any garment, which was to me the most amazing accomplishment.

This great feat did not come without a price. Campers stayed up late sweeping, folding and (mostly) concealing. Years later as a counselor, I recall remaining awake all night mopping, refolding, re-refolding and re- re-refolding. It was said that happy parents, upon seeing a neat cubby would be the most generous tippers.

Yet it always bothered me. Surely none of these parents (most of whom had been to camp themselves as kids) really believed that this is what camp looked like the other 54 (or so) days! And what about the Jewish trait of honesty? Were the camp administrators, normally so ethically conscious, regularly lecturing about honesty and respect... were they acting hypocritically? Perhaps we should leave a few cans of Pepsi (or better yet, Mountain Dew) strewn near the volleyball court. Maybe a few loose socks should chance to peek out of an overflowing laundry bag. Perhaps the parents would be better off running into a skunk or two as they pass the dumpsters behind the kitchen, just a tad overloaded. Why the devious trickery (as so it seemed)? Why the sleepless nights and missed precious hours of potential basketball games and BBQs?

I'm sure I'm not the first one to pose this, the ultimate philosophical proof to a bored kid that his time would be more productive at the pool than trying to match up socks. It is for this reason that our Camp Director, wishing to preempt would- be rebels like myself, would annually provide his explanation. Every parent knows that we clean up on visiting day. Therefore, upon entering the hallowed campgrounds, the impression of said parent is not to take the camp's condition at face value, but to assume that today it looks better than it normally does (an astute assessment, as we've described). Therefore (he reasoned), if we don't clean camp thoroughly, and instead leave it in it's normal state, the parents will all assume it's usually so much worse! By sprucing up the property, making all the beds (and yes, squeezing out those toothpaste tubes) and presenting camp at its best, in fact we were helping display the most honest representation of our summer home. That it is usually a bit worse (but not horribly so) than it appeared on visiting day. I believe I can add to the esteemed administrator's assertion. Not only does it convince the parents, but the campers as well. For at least a few days after visiting day, campers, amazed at their own success, have the confidence and motivation to maintain a higher level of cleanliness and order.

On Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, we sort of act like a kid (or counselor) on visiting day. We clean up our act as much as we can. For a few days beforehand, perhaps, we're extra generous, handing out charity, petitioning our acquaintances for forgiveness. On Yom Kippur itself, we show up to the synagogue early (hopefully it has air conditioning) and pray with true devotion, unencumbered by thoughts of food or drink. Dressed in white, we loudly declare Blessed is the name of the glory of His Kingdom for all eternity as the angels do. We make use of our spare time to study, and of course are conscientious not to stoop to gossip.

But is it real? Why the show? Do we really believe, or do we think G-d believes that we'll maintain this facade all year? Will we pray with such fervor come November? Will we spend spare time studying when March Madness rolls around? Who are we fooling?

But that Camp Director is right (of course now I think Camp Directors are always right). Certainly our entire year won't be as sublime an experience as Yom Kippur. We may find some malodorous skunks during the coming year, perhaps even some unwashed socks. But if we don't put in an effort on this most auspicious of days to raise the bar, then the outlook for the future is indeed bleak, for the coming year heralds mediocrity at best. However, when we exert an extraordinary effort on Yom Kippur to perform above an beyond the norm, then G-d looks upon that and says, “Hmmm, the rest of year will probably be a bit worse, but not horribly so.” Indeed, perhaps it will be a pretty good year.

Perhaps equally important, we can look, amazed at our won success. Did I really spend a few hours praying with sincere and (nearly) uninterrupted concentration? I truly forgave the relative who insulted me last year. Maybe, just maybe I can be better this year. Perhaps I can maintain, if not Yom Kippur levels of goodness, at least something beyond my past accomplishments.

Perhaps this year, I'll really score the winning run.

Dip the Apple in the Honey

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:26:00 +0000

Here's a little modern twist on 'dip the apple in the honey'.
Well, seriously, what comes to your mind when you think of apples?

I made this 0ne for a teen- class I gave about Rosh Hashana

Mazel Tov!

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:20:00 +0000

We'd like to wish a huge
Mazel Tov
To veteran NAGEELA counselor
Moshe Chait (AKA Sabsi)
Upon his engagement to
Yael Gewirtz
Sister of Avi Gewirtz and Mrs. Devorah Locker

Why all the pickles...

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:07:00 +0000

In a disturbing thread on woot, some truly depraved individuals want to take our pickles away from us. A wise man once said, "We want our pickles, and we want them to stay!" Well, I'm not quite saure a wise man ever said any such thing, but he probably would have had he read this discussion.

Pickles are included with everything, because in a philosophical sense, pickles are the whole of nature.

Read the pickle discussion here, and know that I'm not the only one who thinks about pickles all day.

The Flowrider

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 22:15:00 +0000

new photos

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:18:00 +0000

I've uploaded pictures from the first 24 hours of camp and posted them on our facebook page.
If you don't follow us yet on twitter, you should do that, too.

New Logo Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:05:00 +0000

We have finally released our new logo for 2011!

Visit our facebook page, www.facebook.com/nageelawest
to check it out, and also to vote on your favorite all-time Nageela logo!

Baby muffin

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:58:00 +0000

Mazal tov to the official NAGEELA Muffin Man, Yaakov Simanowitz on the birth of a baby boy!

The rock

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Wed, 18 May 2011 02:57:00 +0000

When I was younger, I used to do a lot of rock climbing...

But I was boulder back then...

Mitch Hedberg on whistling and more

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:37:00 +0000

I like Kit-Kat, unless I'm with four or more people.

I can whistle with my fingers, especially if I have a whistle.

I drank some boiling water because I wanted to whistle.

I haven't slept for ten days, because that would be too long.

I know a lot about cars, man. I can look at any car's headlights and tell you exactly which way it's coming.

Across the continent

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 04:44:00 +0000

Wow!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:56:00 +0000

A hugeeeeeee and very, very nice Mazal tov to NAGEELA east and west all star

AZI STEINER

Upon getting engaged!

Economics

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 03:31:00 +0000

I'm not sure exactly what came over me, but it was a sudden inspiration.

Thanks God, Sincerely, Pharaoh

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 20:34:00 +0000

People often ask about the point of the ten plagues.

After all, on a scale of one to ten on how difficult it would have been for God to simply have the Jews waltz out of Egypt (or perhaps hora out would have been more appropriate), the number is probably somewhere between easy- shmeesy and no- sweat (technical terms often used by actuaries). So again, why all the drama? Okay it would have made a pretty boring movie plot otherwise, but our seder would certainly have been shorter! "We were slaves, then we weren't. Let's eat!"

Here is a list of a couple of answers (some better than others).

God purchased His 'geting out of Egypt kit' at Costco, and didn't want to waste it.

Nah

The Egyptians made the Jews suffer so much over the years, they deserved a little payback.

OK, but why the creative, nature altering plagues? Why not just make them eat sardines or something?

God wanted to show his complete control over the world. Weather, livestock, health, economy, wind, wild beasts. Once He did that, nobody can question his abilities. (Ramban)

Now we're talking! Is there something more?

God got a real laugh out of frogs and it all sort of flowed from there.

Are you feeling okay, Locker?

It was actually being nice to the Egyptians!

Huh?

No really. They did bad stuff. Had God just said, "Game over, exit Jews," they would not have had the chance to improve. This way, God gave them chance after chance- "Hellloooo, wake up Pharaoh. You're evil. Please change your ways or else I'll beat you up."

It's kinda like a parent who finds out their kid did something really damaging. A lazy parent just cleans up the mess and doesn't mention it to the child. A proactive parent takes the time to explain to the child where they went wrong, and provides consequences if they refuse to improve.

Although the Egyptians may not have realized it at the time, the plagues were (at least partially) for their benefit! Ironic. (Seforno).

Never would have thought of that

So it wasn't just, "Hey Egyptians, you just wait until my big brother finds out you've been bullying me and then you'll be sorry." It actually made a lot of sense for the evil Egyptias, who, after all their wickedness, are still children of God, too.

Galaxy of the kayak

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 20:00:00 +0000

Stepping into my parents' backyard in Lakewood, I am transported to a different galaxy.

No longer do I live in the realm of grass, trees and squirrels. I now belong to the domain of BBAMB. That's the official intergalactic code for Boats, Boats, and More Boats.

Don't be alarmed at the picture, those aren't all my father's boats...

I mean, they all are my father's boats. They just aren't all my father's boats. This picture isn't even half of my father's boats. Close, but not quite half.

Yes, the famous Captain Locker who spent years battling swans in famous ake Carasaljo has hoarded his signature watercraft at his, until now, secret lair. Behold, the boats...

A taste of East

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:46:00 +0000

Heading to the East Coast tonight.

Look out New Yawk!

Pesach themed cartoons

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:36:00 +0000

Here are a couple of Passover themed cartoons I sketched for one of my teen classes.
The idea behind the classes was to admit that the seder, indeed the whole Passover experience (although fun) can be very confusing if you look at it from an intelectual angle, and to explain in depth how it all makes perfect sense. Giving teens and appreciation for the beauty of the holiday and its rituals.

This one was from the first class in the series which dealt with the difficulty in understanding the purpose of the whole holiday.

This class dealt specifically with the structure of the Haggadah, and how to understand its organization, thereby developing a deeper appreciation for its seemingly random paragraphs.

More Koreans learn Talmud than Jews... by far!

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 05:48:00 +0000

Check out this translation from an original ynet article which truly blows the mind!

http://muqata.blogspot.com/2011/03/talmud-study-now-mandatory-in-south.html

Here's the article in Hebrew:

http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4046985,00.html

And here's a cartoon with a talmudic twist.

http://www.kidstimes.net/2008/cartoon/325_cartoon.gif

"The secret to Jewish genius! Nice!"

No More Spandex!

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:24:00 +0000

The Nageela National Camping Network (that's a mouthfull)
would like to wish a really TALL

MAZEL TOV

to All- star Nageela East counselor

Aryeh Steinman

upon getting engaged!

WOOOHOOO!

Wait, stop!

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:59:00 +0000

William was excited to join the army.
He enjoyed the drills, the exercises and even the food!
His one problem was with shooting.

He got really nervous when the officer would yell "Fire at Will!"

Gourmet delight

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:13:00 +0000

I guess I don't get to pet stores very often. They are fascinating places. There are a lot of cool things to see and do... It's always a fun trip for the kids, who love playing with a bunny or a dog.
But...

Don't do your food shopping there. Really.
Pinkies and fuzzies... Are you serious?

"hey, you wanna eat something fuzzy?"

purim photos

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 12:48:00 +0000

Check out our flick photostream of the ongoing PUMP YOUR PURIM EVENT!
http://tinyurl.com/493y2z7

Drop in sometime...

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:36:00 +0000

Just because nobody complains doesn't mean all parachutes are perfect

Power- out

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 03:36:00 +0000

The electricity went off at school...

The students were de-lighted

Please leave a massage after the tone

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbi Dani Locker) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 04:59:00 +0000

Today, I fired my massage therapist..

He just rubbed me the wrong way...